The finest holiday rentals in Barbados, the French Riviera and the Alps

Moon Reach, a best-in-class beachfront villa on the prized west coast of Barbados. Main image, a superb property in La Croix-Valmer, France

Barbados
“The most sought-after accommodation in Barbados is a best-in-class beachfront villa on the prized west side of the island – the Caribbean Platinum Coast – with top-quality amenities, especially on the Sandy Lane Estate,” says Michele Hodgkinson of Savills associate Altman Villa Rentals. “For multigenerational groups, a large villa offers more privacy and better value than a hotel and comes serviced with a full complement of staff, including a butler, chef and housekeeper.”

Desirable inland options include homes on the leisure resorts of Royal Westmoreland, Apes Hill and Sugar Hill, many of which include beach-club membership. “Villas within these golf and tennis resorts are popular with sports enthusiasts, with pickleball and padel courts among their extensive facilities – that’s a growing priority with younger travellers,” says Hodgkinson.

She reports a high level of repeat clients for the best villas, especially those on the beachfront for the winter months. “Many guests rebook while still on the island in order to secure their stay for the following year,” she says. “While travel trends have shifted over the years towards more last-minute bookings, we’ve seen an increasing number of requests for winter stays being made more than a year in advance.”

Altman Villa Rentals has one- to 10-bedroom villas from $400 a night in summer season to $12,000 a night in winter season

An exceptional residence close to the beach and the village of Saint-Tropez

French Riviera
“The finest villas in Saint-Tropez capture the essence of the Côte d’Azur,” says Olivia Gourdon of Savills French Riviera. That means lots of natural light and an easy indoor-outdoor flow, with wide terraces providing inviting spots for aperitifs and alfresco dining. Mediterranean gardens filled with lavender, olive trees and bougainvillea are key – along with an infinity pool that blends with the horizon.

“Proximity to the sea or a panoramic sea view is essential for many, ideally with direct beach access,” says Gourdon. “Les Salins, La Moutte, Pampelonne and Gigaro are all sought-after areas. For those who want to be in Saint-Tropez itself, a quiet but central property near Place des Lices is the goal.

“The best villas have space for everyone to gather, but also intimate corners for privacy and the option of full staffing. For our clients, it’s about top-quality service and great attention to detail.”

Savills French Riviera’s high-end rentals range from €15,000 to €255,000 a week

A handsome, traditionally styled chalet overlooking the Verbier landscape

Swiss Alps
“The highlight of the summer season for many is the Verbier Festival, two weeks of concerts and events that bring visitors from around the world,” says Lisette Schellekens of Savills Verbier Location. “The resort’s reputation as the go-to destination for outdoor sports holds true in summer as well as winter – there’s the Verbier Bike Festival every August, and wonderful hiking opportunities.”

Some renters choose chalets a little above the centre in summer for maximum privacy and spectacular mountain views, then zip around the resort on e-bikes when the weather is warm. Others want to be as central as possible, to make the most of Verbier’s buzzy restaurant and bar scene.

“We have beautiful homes in both locations,” says Schellekens. “Most clients look for handsome, traditionally styled chalets, built with old wood, but with the best internal finishes. They demand all-ensuite bedrooms, spa facilities with sauna and indoor pool, and wide terraces for soaking up the sun.”

Verbier Location has two- to 10-bedroom chalets from CHF1,100 a week, rising to CHF30,0000 or more at peak times in winter

A summer view over Courchevel in the French Alps (Alamy)

French Alps
“A ski-in, ski-out chalet with super views on the slopes in Courchevel 1850 is the top request,” says Jérôme Lagoutte, head of Savills French Alps. “There are several prime areas around the resort, including Bellecôte and Jardin Alpin, and you’re always within easy reach of the high-end restaurants and facilities for which Courchevel is known.”

A chalet here should have all the best facilities, adds Lagoutte, including cinema rooms and extensive spa facilities with steam room, sauna and swimming pool, along with well-equipped play and games rooms for children of all ages. “We see a demand for both modern chalets and traditional wooden ones,” says Lagoutte. “You’ll find beautiful versions of both in Courchevel 1850 and across the entire Trois Vallées.”

The finest six-bedroom chalets in Courchevel 1850 can reach more than €100,000 a week

MICHELE HODGKINSON, SAVILLS ASSOCIATES ALTMAN VILLA RENTALS
michele.hodgkinson@altmanbarbados.com

OLIVIA GOURDON, SAVILLS FRENCH RIVIERA
olivia.gourdon@savills.com

LISETTE SCHELLEKENS, SAVILLS VERBIER LOCATION
lisette@verbierlocation.ch

JÉRÔME LAGOUTTE, HEAD OF SAVILLS FRENCH ALPS
jlagoutte@savills.com